The Rams filled another position of need Thursday when they signed backup running back and kickoff returner Lance Dunbar to a one-year contract that could be worth as much as $3 million.

Dunbar, 27 and formerly of the Dallas Cowboys, essentially could replace Benny Cunningham, who became a free agent this month and is expected to sign elsewhere.

In Dunbar, the Rams hope they’ve found a capable backup for star running back Todd Gurley, plus a strong receiver out of the backfield and a possible kickoff returner, since Cunningham also filled that role.

Dunbar, listed at 5-foot-8 and 195 pounds, signed with Dallas in 2012 as an undrafted free agent, then stuck around. Dunbar missed most of the 2015 season with a knee injury. Last season, he had nine carries for 31 yards and one touchdown and caught 16 passes for 122 yards.

The Rams also remain in contention to sign free-agent linebacker Connor Barwin, who most recently played in Philadelphia. The Rams also are waiting to hear whether Buffalo will match their contract tender offer to restricted free-agent center Ryan Groy.

Rich Hammond was a high school senior when the Rams left town in 1995, and now he's their beat writer for the Southern California News Group. A native of L.A., Rich broke in at the Daily Breeze as a college freshman and also has covered USC, the Kings, the Lakers and the Dodgers. He still loves sports and telling stories. Don't take the sarcastic tweets too seriously.